CA2463485C - Blow molded container having holes therein and method and apparatus for facilitating the creation thereof - Google Patents
Blow molded container having holes therein and method and apparatus for facilitating the creation thereof Download PDFInfo
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- CA2463485C CA2463485C CA2463485A CA2463485A CA2463485C CA 2463485 C CA2463485 C CA 2463485C CA 2463485 A CA2463485 A CA 2463485A CA 2463485 A CA2463485 A CA 2463485A CA 2463485 C CA2463485 C CA 2463485C
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- molded container
- mold
- blow molded
- wall
- cavity
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 17
- 238000000071 blow moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 241000220317 Rosa Species 0.000 abstract description 10
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000012768 molten material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C49/48—Moulds
- B29C49/50—Moulds having cutting or deflashing means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C49/48—Moulds
- B29C49/50—Moulds having cutting or deflashing means
- B29C2049/503—Moulds having cutting or deflashing means being independently movable during the mould closing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2793/00—Shaping techniques involving a cutting or machining operation
- B29C2793/0045—Perforating
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2793/00—Shaping techniques involving a cutting or machining operation
- B29C2793/009—Shaping techniques involving a cutting or machining operation after shaping
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C49/48—Moulds
- B29C49/482—Moulds with means for moulding parts of the parisons in an auxiliary cavity, e.g. moulding a handle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
- B29L2031/717—Cans, tins
Abstract
A method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container is disclosed generally comprising first and second mold portions mounted adjacent each other along a seam and a mechanism for creating holes at the seam. In some embodiments, first and second punches are used to create one hole underneath the container's handle. in some embodiments, a third mold portion is used to create a rose surface and create a plurality of holes therein.
Description
BLOW MOLDED CONTAINER HAVING HOLES THEREIN AND METHOD AND
APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING THE CREATION THEREOF
Field Of The Invention [0002) The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating fill holes and spout holes in a pouring container when the container is blow-molded.
Background Of The Invention [0003] The use of blow-molding as a method for manufacturing various sorts of articles is generally well know. Typically, this process involves the use of a mold consisting of two separate halves or portions having cavities of particularly desired shapes and sizes. Usually, one extrudes a large-diameter, sealed tube of molten material.(commonly referred to as a "parison"), places the tube between the mold halves, and closes the mold around the tube. Fluid pressure is then introduced into the tube,.forcing the molten tube against the walls of the cavities, conforming the tube to the shape thereof. The pressure is maintained until the molten material cools and solidifies. The pressure is then released, the mold halves are pulled apart, and the hardened article is ejected therefrom.
APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING THE CREATION THEREOF
Field Of The Invention [0002) The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating fill holes and spout holes in a pouring container when the container is blow-molded.
Background Of The Invention [0003] The use of blow-molding as a method for manufacturing various sorts of articles is generally well know. Typically, this process involves the use of a mold consisting of two separate halves or portions having cavities of particularly desired shapes and sizes. Usually, one extrudes a large-diameter, sealed tube of molten material.(commonly referred to as a "parison"), places the tube between the mold halves, and closes the mold around the tube. Fluid pressure is then introduced into the tube,.forcing the molten tube against the walls of the cavities, conforming the tube to the shape thereof. The pressure is maintained until the molten material cools and solidifies. The pressure is then released, the mold halves are pulled apart, and the hardened article is ejected therefrom.
[0004] One such article that is commonly manufactured in this manner is pouring containers. In many blow molded containers, and particularly in pouring containers, it is desired or necessary to create holes in the container. However, because the blow molding process involves the use of a parison with a continuous, unbroken surface, the mold itself cannot form any holes other than the hole through which the fluid pressure is introduced.
Cutting these holes after the blow molding process is completed and the container has been ejected from the mold, however, requires additional tooling and additional manufacturing steps, entailing further difficulty, time, 1 o and expense. Moreover, because the hole is -often in a location that is difficult to access with the cutter, defects in the quality of the cut often result [0005] Accordingly, various methods and devices have been suggested to create these holes in blow molded articles during the blow molding process, such as that disclosed in disclosed in U.S. Patent Application US-2003-0104098-A1, in the name of Schrader, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, one problem that arises in the case of pouring containers is that it is typically desired to produce the container with a handle. Therefore, the mold must have a section with a cavity for creating the reservoir (or body) portion of the container and a section with a cavity for creating the handle of the container. Usually, of course, it is desired to have a large 20 fill hole at the top of the reservoir portion, both for convenience and in order to allow the reservoir section of the container to be filled to maximum capacity.
However, this hole is under the handle, and thus, the handle section of the mold blocks the path of any punch that would otherwise be used to create the fill hole.
[00061 Additionally, one type of pouring container for which the blow molding process is particularly well suited is watering cans. A watering can .
2a typically has a spout with a frusto-conical end (commonly called a "rose"), flaring, out to a wide surface having many small holes, through which the water exits the can. In order.to create these many small holes, the rose is manufactured as a separate part and then assembled onto the blow molded container.
[ow] One disadvantage of creating the rose as a separate part, however, is that it requires additional steps in the manufacturing process, resulting in increased time and expense. Moreover, the end of spout must be threaded in order to permit the rose to be screwed on, which results in significant additional tooling, and thus, additional costs. Another disadvantage of a separate rose part that is screwed on to the spout is that it presents the possibility of leakage through and/or irregular flow over the joint between the rose and spout. Finally, yet another disadvantage of a separate rose part is'that the rose often becomes separated from the watering can and subsequently lost, either while in transit, or in a store or the ultimate purchaser's home, thereby rendering the entire watering can virtually useless.
[0008] What is desired, therefore, is a method and apparatus that facilitates the creation of holes in a blow molded pouring container that does not require additional tooling or manufacturing steps and does not require the production of separate container parts.
Summary Of The Invention [ooos] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container that does not require separate cutting steps after the container has been blow molded.
[00010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container that does require the use of additional tooling.
}
too10] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container that permits the container to be blow molded as a single unit tool 1j To overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to achieve at least some of the objects and advantages listed, the invention comprises an apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container, including a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a reservoir cavity against which a wall of the blow-molded container is blown during blow molding, wherein the first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when the first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole in the mold that intersects the seam, a first punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the first gap, and a second punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the second gap,.
wherein, when the first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, the first punch is located adjacent the second punch such that, when the first and second punches are in a second position, at least part of each of the punches is extended past the wall of the blow molded container and inside the reservoir cavity such that the punches collectively create one hole in the 2 0 wall of the blow molded container.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention comprises an apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container, including a mold comprising first and second'mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a cavity against which the.
wall of the blow molded container is blown during blow molding, wherein, the first and second mold portions have respective first-and second gaps therein that, when the first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole that intersects the seam, and a third mold portion having a surface that covers the hole when located adjacent thereto and against which the wall of the blow molded container is formed during blow molding, wherein the third mold portion includes at least one hole through which at least at least one pin moves to create a hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises an apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container, comprising:
a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a spout cavity and a reservoir cavity, against which the wall of the blow molded container is blown during blow molding;
wherein, the spout cavity has a first end, in fluid communication with the reservoir cavity, and a second end;
wherein, said first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole that intersects the seam; and a third mold portion having a surface that covers the hole when located adjacent thereto and against which the wall of the blow molded container is formed during blow molding;
blowing a wall of the blow molded container against the reservoir cavity and the handle cavity, thereby forming a reservoir portion and a handle portion;
simultaneously extending at least part of adjacent first and second punches, which are disposed in a hole intersecting the seam, through the wall of the blow molded container and into the reservoir portion such that said punches collectively create one hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
10014] In still another embodiment, the invention comprises. an apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container blown in a mold having first and second mold portions, including an outer housing adapted to be mounted to at least one of the mold portions, an inner housing disposed in the outer housing, a wall member affixed to the inner housing, the wall member having a molding surface and a plurality of holes therein, a die disposed in the inner housing, the die having a plurality of pins protruding therefrom, a housing actuator disposed in the outer housing adapted to move the inner housing within the outer housing when the first and second mold portions are moved adjacent each other so that the wall of the blow molded container can be blown against the molding surface during blow molding, and a die actuator disposed in the inner housing adapted to move the die within the inner housing and cause the plurality of pins to move through the plurality of holes in the wall member to create a plurality of holes in the wall of the blow molded container.
In still another embodiment the invention comprises an apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container, comprising:
a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a reservoir cavity having a surface against which a wall of the blow-molded container is blown during blow molding;
wherein said first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole in the reservoir cavity surface that intersects the seam;
a first punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the first gap; and a second punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the second gap;
wherein, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, said first punch is located adjacent said second punch such that, when said 6a first and second punches are in a second position, at least part of each of said punches is extended past the wall of the blow molded container and inside the reservoir cavity such that said punches collectively create one hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
[oo15] In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises a method of facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container, including the steps of moving a first mold portion adjacent to a second mold portion along a seam, thereby at least partially enclosing a reservoir cavity and a handle cavity;
blowing a wall of the blow molded container against the reservoir cavity and lo the handle cavity, thereby forming a reservoir portion and a handle portion;
simultaneously extending at least part of adjacent first and second punches, which are disposed in a hole intersecting the seam, through the wall of the blow molded container and into the reservoir portion such that said punches collectively create one hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
[0016] In still another embodiment, the invention comprises a method of facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container, including the steps of moving a first mold portion adjacent to a second mold portion along a seam, thereby at least partially enclosing a reservoir cavity and a spout cavity, moving a third mold portion adjacent to a hole intersecting the seam such that 20 a molding surface of the third mold portion covers the hole, and blowing a wall of the blow molded container against the reservoir cavity, spout cavity, and molding surface.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises a blow-molded watering can, including a reservoir portion, a handle portion Integrally formed with the reservoir portion, a spout portion integrally formed with the reservoir portion, and a rose portion integrally formed with the spout portion.
6b tools] In still another embodiment, the invention comprises a blow-molded watering can, including a reservoir portion, a handle portion integrally formed with the reservoir portion, and a spout portion integrally formed with the. reservoir portion, wherein, the reservoir portion has a punched fill hole that intersects a vertical plane of the handle portion.
[0019] In.yet another embodiment, the invention comprises a method of creating a watering can having a handle, including the steps of closing a watering can mold along a seam, blow-molding the watering can in the mold, and punching a hole in the watering can along the seam prior to opening the mold.
Brief Description Of The Drawings [002oj Figure 1 is an isometric view of a pouring container made in accordance with the invention.
[0021] Figure 2 is rear, cross-sectional view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention for making the pouring container of Figure 1.
[0022] Figure 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 2.
[0023] Figure 4 is a top view in partial cross-section of an embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 2.
[0024] Figure 5 is an exploded view of part of the apparatus of Figure 2.
[0025] Figure 6 is a rear, cross sectional view of part of an embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 2.
[0026] Figure 7 is a side, cross-sectional view of part of an embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 2.
[0027]. Figure 8 is an isometric view of part of an embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 2.
loon] Figure 9 is a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 2.
Detailed Description Of The Drawings [0029 Referring first to Figure 1, a typical ,example of a pouring container-namely, a watering can-made in accordance with the invention is illustrated. As used in the description, the terms "top," "bottom," "above,"
"below," "over," "under," "on top," "underneath," "up," "down," "upper,"
"lower,"
"front," "rear," "forward" and "back" refer to the objects referenced when in the orientation illustrated in the drawings, which orientation is not necessary for achieving the objects of the invention.
io0301 The watering can 12 has a body or "reservoir" section 14 that is-elliptical in shape and capable of holding two to three gallons of water.
The reservoir section 14 is formed by two matching cavities in two matching mold halves, as is further described below.. The watering can 12 has a. mold parting line resulting from the seam where the two mold halves are joined. Along this mold parting line, and parallel to the major axis of the ellipse of the reservoir section 14, the watering can 12 has a-tubular handle 16 that extends over the top of the reservoir section 14 and at least part way down one side thereof.
The handle 16 is elongated in this way so that the can 12 can be easily and comfortably gripped both when in an upright position and when tilted to one side, allowing the user to always grip the handle 16 over the can's center of gravity, which changes as water is poured and the can 12 becomes less full.
A large fill hole 18 intersects the mold parting line underneath the handle 16 for filling the watering can 12 with the water to be poured.
-g-[0031] On the side opposite the side down which the handle 16 extends, a hollow spout 20 extends outward and upward from the vicinity of the bottom of the reservoir section 14.. At the end of the spout there is a frusto-conical portion 22, commonly called a "rose," flaring outward from a diameter of about one inch or less to a slightly convex surface 24 having a diameter of about three and one-half inches. The convex surface 24 has a plurality of holes therein; through which water pours in a shower pattern.
[0032] The basic components of one embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container in accordance with the invention are illustrated in Figures 2-3. A mold 32 is comprised of a first mold'portion 34 and a second mold portion 36, which, when located adjacent each other, at least partially enclose a reservoir cavity 38, handle cavity 40, and spout cavity 42. In operation, a parison (not shown) is placed between the mold portions 34, 36, which are then pressed adjacent each other. Each of the cavities 38, 40, 42 encloses a part of the parison, and any unnecessary portions of the parison are pinched off at the seam 44 between the two mold portions 34, 36. Fluid pressure is then introduced through an inlet 46, which blows the parison against the surface of the cavities 38, 40, 42, thereby molding the parison into the shape of a container having a reservoir, a handle and a spout. The pressure is maintained until the molten material cools and hardens. The first and second mold portions 34, 36 are then separated, the molded container 12 is removed from the mold 32, and any excess flash resulting from the parison being pinched off is cut or broken away from the container 12.
[0033] As shown in Figure 4, each mold portion 34, 36 has a gap 50, 52, such that, when the mold portions 34, 36 are moved adjacent each other, a hole 54 is formed in the mold 32. As illustrated in Figures 5-7, first and second punches 56, 58 are disposed in the gaps 52, 50, respectively. The first and second punches 56, 58 have actuators 60, 62, respectively, for advancing.the punches through the wall of the parison being blown against the surface of the reservoir. cavity 38 and creating a hole therein. In some embodiments, these actuators are hydraulically powered.
100341 By creating the hole 54 in this manner, one is able to punch a hole in the wall of the reservoir portion 14 of the watering can 12 that intersects with any vertical plane 64, 65 of the handle portion 16 of the container 12. Accordingly, regardless of any variations in the shape or width of the handle portion 16, one can still easily create a hole 54 that intersects the vertical plane 64 along the longitudinal axis of the handle cavity 40 or any vertical plane 65 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle cavity.
100351 Various mechanisms can be employed to maintain alignment of the punches 56, 58. For example, as shown if Figure 6, in some embodiments, recesses 66, 68 may be provided in the faces of the punches 56, 58, respectively, for receiving flash resulting from excesses portions of the parison being pinched between the mold portions 34, 36.. As shown in Figure 7, in other embodiments, at least one pin 70 may be used to temporarily join the first and second punches, 56, 58 to keep the punches aligned with each other. For example, the first and second punches 56, 58 may each include a pin 72 and a bushing 70 for receiving the pin 72 of the opposing punch. In other embodiments, the first punch 56 may include a pair of pins 72' protruding from.its straight edge, and the second punch 58, in turn, includes two bushings 70 for receiving the pins 72. Accordingly, when the first and second mold portions are joined together, the pins 72 enter the bushings 70 and keep the first and second punches 56, 58 from moving relative to one another.
Additionally, in some embodiments, at least one of the punches 56, 58 includes at least one vertical pin 78, 80 to be inserted into a vertical bushing 82, 84 in order to maintain vertical alignment.
[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the spout cavity 42 has a first end 90, in communication with the reservoir cavity 38,'and a second end 92. When the first and second mold portions 34, 36 are moved adjacent each other, a third mold portion 100 is moved towards the second end 92 of the spout cavity such that the wall of the parison may be blown against the molding surface 102, as shown in Figure 8.
[0037] As illustrated in Figures 8 -9, in certain advantageous embodiments, an outer housing 104 is mounted to the first mold portion 34.
An inner housing 106 is disposed in the outer housing 104. When the second mold portion 36 is moved adjacent the first mold portion 34, a housing actuator 108 advances the inner housing 106 towards the second end 92 of the spout cavity to move a wall member molding surface 102 into a position where the wall of the parison can be blown against it. In some embodiments, the surface. 102 is slightly concave, thereby producing a rose portion 22 of the watering can 12 with a convex surface 24 (as shown in Figure 1). When the wall of the parison is blown against the surface 102, a die actuator 110 advances a die 112 in the inner housing 106. The die 112 has a plurality of pins 114 protruding therefrom. When the die 112 is advanced, the pins 114 create a plurality of holes in the convex surface of the watering can 12. In this way, a smooth, convex surface 24 having a plurality of pouring holes is created that intersects a vertical plane 116, 118 of the spout cavity 42.
[0038] It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, and that obvious modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, reference should be made primarily to the accompanying claims, rather than the foregoing specification, to determine the scope of'the invention.
Cutting these holes after the blow molding process is completed and the container has been ejected from the mold, however, requires additional tooling and additional manufacturing steps, entailing further difficulty, time, 1 o and expense. Moreover, because the hole is -often in a location that is difficult to access with the cutter, defects in the quality of the cut often result [0005] Accordingly, various methods and devices have been suggested to create these holes in blow molded articles during the blow molding process, such as that disclosed in disclosed in U.S. Patent Application US-2003-0104098-A1, in the name of Schrader, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, one problem that arises in the case of pouring containers is that it is typically desired to produce the container with a handle. Therefore, the mold must have a section with a cavity for creating the reservoir (or body) portion of the container and a section with a cavity for creating the handle of the container. Usually, of course, it is desired to have a large 20 fill hole at the top of the reservoir portion, both for convenience and in order to allow the reservoir section of the container to be filled to maximum capacity.
However, this hole is under the handle, and thus, the handle section of the mold blocks the path of any punch that would otherwise be used to create the fill hole.
[00061 Additionally, one type of pouring container for which the blow molding process is particularly well suited is watering cans. A watering can .
2a typically has a spout with a frusto-conical end (commonly called a "rose"), flaring, out to a wide surface having many small holes, through which the water exits the can. In order.to create these many small holes, the rose is manufactured as a separate part and then assembled onto the blow molded container.
[ow] One disadvantage of creating the rose as a separate part, however, is that it requires additional steps in the manufacturing process, resulting in increased time and expense. Moreover, the end of spout must be threaded in order to permit the rose to be screwed on, which results in significant additional tooling, and thus, additional costs. Another disadvantage of a separate rose part that is screwed on to the spout is that it presents the possibility of leakage through and/or irregular flow over the joint between the rose and spout. Finally, yet another disadvantage of a separate rose part is'that the rose often becomes separated from the watering can and subsequently lost, either while in transit, or in a store or the ultimate purchaser's home, thereby rendering the entire watering can virtually useless.
[0008] What is desired, therefore, is a method and apparatus that facilitates the creation of holes in a blow molded pouring container that does not require additional tooling or manufacturing steps and does not require the production of separate container parts.
Summary Of The Invention [ooos] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container that does not require separate cutting steps after the container has been blow molded.
[00010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container that does require the use of additional tooling.
}
too10] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container that permits the container to be blow molded as a single unit tool 1j To overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to achieve at least some of the objects and advantages listed, the invention comprises an apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container, including a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a reservoir cavity against which a wall of the blow-molded container is blown during blow molding, wherein the first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when the first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole in the mold that intersects the seam, a first punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the first gap, and a second punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the second gap,.
wherein, when the first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, the first punch is located adjacent the second punch such that, when the first and second punches are in a second position, at least part of each of the punches is extended past the wall of the blow molded container and inside the reservoir cavity such that the punches collectively create one hole in the 2 0 wall of the blow molded container.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention comprises an apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container, including a mold comprising first and second'mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a cavity against which the.
wall of the blow molded container is blown during blow molding, wherein, the first and second mold portions have respective first-and second gaps therein that, when the first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole that intersects the seam, and a third mold portion having a surface that covers the hole when located adjacent thereto and against which the wall of the blow molded container is formed during blow molding, wherein the third mold portion includes at least one hole through which at least at least one pin moves to create a hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises an apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container, comprising:
a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a spout cavity and a reservoir cavity, against which the wall of the blow molded container is blown during blow molding;
wherein, the spout cavity has a first end, in fluid communication with the reservoir cavity, and a second end;
wherein, said first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole that intersects the seam; and a third mold portion having a surface that covers the hole when located adjacent thereto and against which the wall of the blow molded container is formed during blow molding;
blowing a wall of the blow molded container against the reservoir cavity and the handle cavity, thereby forming a reservoir portion and a handle portion;
simultaneously extending at least part of adjacent first and second punches, which are disposed in a hole intersecting the seam, through the wall of the blow molded container and into the reservoir portion such that said punches collectively create one hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
10014] In still another embodiment, the invention comprises. an apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container blown in a mold having first and second mold portions, including an outer housing adapted to be mounted to at least one of the mold portions, an inner housing disposed in the outer housing, a wall member affixed to the inner housing, the wall member having a molding surface and a plurality of holes therein, a die disposed in the inner housing, the die having a plurality of pins protruding therefrom, a housing actuator disposed in the outer housing adapted to move the inner housing within the outer housing when the first and second mold portions are moved adjacent each other so that the wall of the blow molded container can be blown against the molding surface during blow molding, and a die actuator disposed in the inner housing adapted to move the die within the inner housing and cause the plurality of pins to move through the plurality of holes in the wall member to create a plurality of holes in the wall of the blow molded container.
In still another embodiment the invention comprises an apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container, comprising:
a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a reservoir cavity having a surface against which a wall of the blow-molded container is blown during blow molding;
wherein said first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole in the reservoir cavity surface that intersects the seam;
a first punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the first gap; and a second punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the second gap;
wherein, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, said first punch is located adjacent said second punch such that, when said 6a first and second punches are in a second position, at least part of each of said punches is extended past the wall of the blow molded container and inside the reservoir cavity such that said punches collectively create one hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
[oo15] In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises a method of facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container, including the steps of moving a first mold portion adjacent to a second mold portion along a seam, thereby at least partially enclosing a reservoir cavity and a handle cavity;
blowing a wall of the blow molded container against the reservoir cavity and lo the handle cavity, thereby forming a reservoir portion and a handle portion;
simultaneously extending at least part of adjacent first and second punches, which are disposed in a hole intersecting the seam, through the wall of the blow molded container and into the reservoir portion such that said punches collectively create one hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
[0016] In still another embodiment, the invention comprises a method of facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container, including the steps of moving a first mold portion adjacent to a second mold portion along a seam, thereby at least partially enclosing a reservoir cavity and a spout cavity, moving a third mold portion adjacent to a hole intersecting the seam such that 20 a molding surface of the third mold portion covers the hole, and blowing a wall of the blow molded container against the reservoir cavity, spout cavity, and molding surface.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises a blow-molded watering can, including a reservoir portion, a handle portion Integrally formed with the reservoir portion, a spout portion integrally formed with the reservoir portion, and a rose portion integrally formed with the spout portion.
6b tools] In still another embodiment, the invention comprises a blow-molded watering can, including a reservoir portion, a handle portion integrally formed with the reservoir portion, and a spout portion integrally formed with the. reservoir portion, wherein, the reservoir portion has a punched fill hole that intersects a vertical plane of the handle portion.
[0019] In.yet another embodiment, the invention comprises a method of creating a watering can having a handle, including the steps of closing a watering can mold along a seam, blow-molding the watering can in the mold, and punching a hole in the watering can along the seam prior to opening the mold.
Brief Description Of The Drawings [002oj Figure 1 is an isometric view of a pouring container made in accordance with the invention.
[0021] Figure 2 is rear, cross-sectional view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention for making the pouring container of Figure 1.
[0022] Figure 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 2.
[0023] Figure 4 is a top view in partial cross-section of an embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 2.
[0024] Figure 5 is an exploded view of part of the apparatus of Figure 2.
[0025] Figure 6 is a rear, cross sectional view of part of an embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 2.
[0026] Figure 7 is a side, cross-sectional view of part of an embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 2.
[0027]. Figure 8 is an isometric view of part of an embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 2.
loon] Figure 9 is a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 2.
Detailed Description Of The Drawings [0029 Referring first to Figure 1, a typical ,example of a pouring container-namely, a watering can-made in accordance with the invention is illustrated. As used in the description, the terms "top," "bottom," "above,"
"below," "over," "under," "on top," "underneath," "up," "down," "upper,"
"lower,"
"front," "rear," "forward" and "back" refer to the objects referenced when in the orientation illustrated in the drawings, which orientation is not necessary for achieving the objects of the invention.
io0301 The watering can 12 has a body or "reservoir" section 14 that is-elliptical in shape and capable of holding two to three gallons of water.
The reservoir section 14 is formed by two matching cavities in two matching mold halves, as is further described below.. The watering can 12 has a. mold parting line resulting from the seam where the two mold halves are joined. Along this mold parting line, and parallel to the major axis of the ellipse of the reservoir section 14, the watering can 12 has a-tubular handle 16 that extends over the top of the reservoir section 14 and at least part way down one side thereof.
The handle 16 is elongated in this way so that the can 12 can be easily and comfortably gripped both when in an upright position and when tilted to one side, allowing the user to always grip the handle 16 over the can's center of gravity, which changes as water is poured and the can 12 becomes less full.
A large fill hole 18 intersects the mold parting line underneath the handle 16 for filling the watering can 12 with the water to be poured.
-g-[0031] On the side opposite the side down which the handle 16 extends, a hollow spout 20 extends outward and upward from the vicinity of the bottom of the reservoir section 14.. At the end of the spout there is a frusto-conical portion 22, commonly called a "rose," flaring outward from a diameter of about one inch or less to a slightly convex surface 24 having a diameter of about three and one-half inches. The convex surface 24 has a plurality of holes therein; through which water pours in a shower pattern.
[0032] The basic components of one embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container in accordance with the invention are illustrated in Figures 2-3. A mold 32 is comprised of a first mold'portion 34 and a second mold portion 36, which, when located adjacent each other, at least partially enclose a reservoir cavity 38, handle cavity 40, and spout cavity 42. In operation, a parison (not shown) is placed between the mold portions 34, 36, which are then pressed adjacent each other. Each of the cavities 38, 40, 42 encloses a part of the parison, and any unnecessary portions of the parison are pinched off at the seam 44 between the two mold portions 34, 36. Fluid pressure is then introduced through an inlet 46, which blows the parison against the surface of the cavities 38, 40, 42, thereby molding the parison into the shape of a container having a reservoir, a handle and a spout. The pressure is maintained until the molten material cools and hardens. The first and second mold portions 34, 36 are then separated, the molded container 12 is removed from the mold 32, and any excess flash resulting from the parison being pinched off is cut or broken away from the container 12.
[0033] As shown in Figure 4, each mold portion 34, 36 has a gap 50, 52, such that, when the mold portions 34, 36 are moved adjacent each other, a hole 54 is formed in the mold 32. As illustrated in Figures 5-7, first and second punches 56, 58 are disposed in the gaps 52, 50, respectively. The first and second punches 56, 58 have actuators 60, 62, respectively, for advancing.the punches through the wall of the parison being blown against the surface of the reservoir. cavity 38 and creating a hole therein. In some embodiments, these actuators are hydraulically powered.
100341 By creating the hole 54 in this manner, one is able to punch a hole in the wall of the reservoir portion 14 of the watering can 12 that intersects with any vertical plane 64, 65 of the handle portion 16 of the container 12. Accordingly, regardless of any variations in the shape or width of the handle portion 16, one can still easily create a hole 54 that intersects the vertical plane 64 along the longitudinal axis of the handle cavity 40 or any vertical plane 65 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle cavity.
100351 Various mechanisms can be employed to maintain alignment of the punches 56, 58. For example, as shown if Figure 6, in some embodiments, recesses 66, 68 may be provided in the faces of the punches 56, 58, respectively, for receiving flash resulting from excesses portions of the parison being pinched between the mold portions 34, 36.. As shown in Figure 7, in other embodiments, at least one pin 70 may be used to temporarily join the first and second punches, 56, 58 to keep the punches aligned with each other. For example, the first and second punches 56, 58 may each include a pin 72 and a bushing 70 for receiving the pin 72 of the opposing punch. In other embodiments, the first punch 56 may include a pair of pins 72' protruding from.its straight edge, and the second punch 58, in turn, includes two bushings 70 for receiving the pins 72. Accordingly, when the first and second mold portions are joined together, the pins 72 enter the bushings 70 and keep the first and second punches 56, 58 from moving relative to one another.
Additionally, in some embodiments, at least one of the punches 56, 58 includes at least one vertical pin 78, 80 to be inserted into a vertical bushing 82, 84 in order to maintain vertical alignment.
[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the spout cavity 42 has a first end 90, in communication with the reservoir cavity 38,'and a second end 92. When the first and second mold portions 34, 36 are moved adjacent each other, a third mold portion 100 is moved towards the second end 92 of the spout cavity such that the wall of the parison may be blown against the molding surface 102, as shown in Figure 8.
[0037] As illustrated in Figures 8 -9, in certain advantageous embodiments, an outer housing 104 is mounted to the first mold portion 34.
An inner housing 106 is disposed in the outer housing 104. When the second mold portion 36 is moved adjacent the first mold portion 34, a housing actuator 108 advances the inner housing 106 towards the second end 92 of the spout cavity to move a wall member molding surface 102 into a position where the wall of the parison can be blown against it. In some embodiments, the surface. 102 is slightly concave, thereby producing a rose portion 22 of the watering can 12 with a convex surface 24 (as shown in Figure 1). When the wall of the parison is blown against the surface 102, a die actuator 110 advances a die 112 in the inner housing 106. The die 112 has a plurality of pins 114 protruding therefrom. When the die 112 is advanced, the pins 114 create a plurality of holes in the convex surface of the watering can 12. In this way, a smooth, convex surface 24 having a plurality of pouring holes is created that intersects a vertical plane 116, 118 of the spout cavity 42.
[0038] It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, and that obvious modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, reference should be made primarily to the accompanying claims, rather than the foregoing specification, to determine the scope of'the invention.
Claims (41)
1. An apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container, comprising:
a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a reservoir cavity against which a wall of the blow-molded container is blown during blow molding;
wherein said first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole in said mold that intersects the seam;
a first punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the first gap; and a second punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the second gap;
wherein, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, said first punch is located adjacent said second punch such that, when said first and second punches are in a second position, at feast part of each of said punches is extended past the wall of the blow molded container and inside the reservoir cavity such that said punches collectively create one hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a reservoir cavity against which a wall of the blow-molded container is blown during blow molding;
wherein said first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole in said mold that intersects the seam;
a first punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the first gap; and a second punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the second gap;
wherein, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, said first punch is located adjacent said second punch such that, when said first and second punches are in a second position, at feast part of each of said punches is extended past the wall of the blow molded container and inside the reservoir cavity such that said punches collectively create one hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first punch has a rounded edge that is disposed in the first gap when in the first position, said second punch has a rounded edge that is disposed in the second gap when in the first position, and each of said punches has a straight edge that is adjacent the straight edge of the other punch when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
said first punch includes at least one bushing; and said second punch includes at least one pin disposed in said at least one bushing when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other.
said first punch includes at least one bushing; and said second punch includes at least one pin disposed in said at least one bushing when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said first and second punches has a recess therein for receiving flash when said first and second mold portions are moved adjacent each other.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second punches includes at least one vertical pin adapted to be inserted into a vertical bushing.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first actuator adapted to advance said first punch through the wall of the blow molded container and a second actuator adapted to advance said second punch through the wall of the blow molded container.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said first and second actuators are hydraulic actuators.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
said first and second mold portions, when located adjacent each other, at least partially enclose a handle cavity; and the hole formed by the first and second gaps intersects a vertical plane of the handle cavity.
said first and second mold portions, when located adjacent each other, at least partially enclose a handle cavity; and the hole formed by the first and second gaps intersects a vertical plane of the handle cavity.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said first and second mold portions, when located adjacent other, at least partially enclose a spout cavity having a first end, In fluid communication with the reservoir cavity, and a second end.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a third mold portion located at the second end of the spout cavity, said third mold portion having a surface that intersects a vertical plane of the spout cavity and against which the wall of the blow molded container is blown during blow molding.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the third mold portion includes at least one pin adapted to create a hole in the wall on the blow molded container.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the surface of the third mold portion is concave in order to form a convex surface on the blow molded container.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:
an outer housing mounted to said first mold portion and adjacent the second and of the spout cavity;
an inner housing disposed in said outer housing;
wherein said third mold portion is affixed to said inner housing, said third mold portion having a plurality of holes therein;
a die disposed in said inner housing, said die having a plurality of pins protruding therefrom;
a housing actuator disposed in said outer housing adapted to move said inner housing within said outer housing when said first mold portion is moved adjacent to said second mold portion so that the wall of the blow molded container can be blown against the surface of the third mold portion during blow molding; and a die actuator disposed in said inner housing adapted to move said die within said inner housing and cause said plurality of pins to move through the plurality of holes in the third mold portion to create a plurality of holes in the wall of the blow molded container.
an outer housing mounted to said first mold portion and adjacent the second and of the spout cavity;
an inner housing disposed in said outer housing;
wherein said third mold portion is affixed to said inner housing, said third mold portion having a plurality of holes therein;
a die disposed in said inner housing, said die having a plurality of pins protruding therefrom;
a housing actuator disposed in said outer housing adapted to move said inner housing within said outer housing when said first mold portion is moved adjacent to said second mold portion so that the wall of the blow molded container can be blown against the surface of the third mold portion during blow molding; and a die actuator disposed in said inner housing adapted to move said die within said inner housing and cause said plurality of pins to move through the plurality of holes in the third mold portion to create a plurality of holes in the wall of the blow molded container.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the surface of the plate is concave in order to form a convex surface on the blow molded container.
15. An apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container, comprising:
a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a cavity against which the wall of the blow molded container is blown during blow molding;
wherein, said first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole that intersects the seam; and a third mold portion having a surface that covers the hole when located adjacent thereto and against which the wali of the blow molded container is formed during blow molding;
wherein said third mold portion includes at least one hole through which at least one pin moves to create a hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a cavity against which the wall of the blow molded container is blown during blow molding;
wherein, said first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole that intersects the seam; and a third mold portion having a surface that covers the hole when located adjacent thereto and against which the wali of the blow molded container is formed during blow molding;
wherein said third mold portion includes at least one hole through which at least one pin moves to create a hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the surface is concave in order to form a convex surface on the blow molded container.
17. An apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container, comprising:
a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a spout cavity and a reservoir cavity, against which the wall of the blow molded container is blown during blow molding;
wherein, the spout cavity has a first end, in fluid communication with the reservoir cavity, and a second end;
wherein, said first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole that intersects the seam; and a third mold portion having a surface that covers the hole when located adjacent thereto and against which the wall of the blow molded container is formed during blow molding;
wherein, said third mold portion is located adjacent the second end of the spout cavity when said third mold portion is located adjacent the hole.
a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a spout cavity and a reservoir cavity, against which the wall of the blow molded container is blown during blow molding;
wherein, the spout cavity has a first end, in fluid communication with the reservoir cavity, and a second end;
wherein, said first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole that intersects the seam; and a third mold portion having a surface that covers the hole when located adjacent thereto and against which the wall of the blow molded container is formed during blow molding;
wherein, said third mold portion is located adjacent the second end of the spout cavity when said third mold portion is located adjacent the hole.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the surface intersects a vertical plane of the spout cavity.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the surface is concave in order to form a convex surface on the blow molded container.
20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the third mold portion includes at least one pin adapted to create a hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
21. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:
an outer housing mounted to said first mold portion and adjacent the second end of the spout cavity;
an inner housing disposed in said outer housing;
wherein said third mold portion is affixed to said inner housing, said third mold portion having a plurality of holes therein;
a die disposed in said inner housing, said die having a plurality of pins protruding therefrom;
a housing actuator disposed in said outer housing adapted to move said inner housing within said outer housing when said first mold portion is moved adjacent to said second mold portion so that the wall of the blow molded container can be blown against the surface of the third mold portion during blow molding; and a die actuator disposed in said inner housing adapted to move said die within said inner housing and cause said plurality of pins to move through the plurality of holes in the third mold portion to create a plurality of holes in the wall of the blow molded container.
an outer housing mounted to said first mold portion and adjacent the second end of the spout cavity;
an inner housing disposed in said outer housing;
wherein said third mold portion is affixed to said inner housing, said third mold portion having a plurality of holes therein;
a die disposed in said inner housing, said die having a plurality of pins protruding therefrom;
a housing actuator disposed in said outer housing adapted to move said inner housing within said outer housing when said first mold portion is moved adjacent to said second mold portion so that the wall of the blow molded container can be blown against the surface of the third mold portion during blow molding; and a die actuator disposed in said inner housing adapted to move said die within said inner housing and cause said plurality of pins to move through the plurality of holes in the third mold portion to create a plurality of holes in the wall of the blow molded container.
22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said first and second mold portions at least partially enclose a handle cavity when located adjacent each other.
23. An apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container blown in a mold having first and second mold portions, comprising:
an outer housing adapted to be mounted to at least one of the mold portions;
an inner housing disposed in said outer housing;
a wall member affixed to said inner housing, said wall member having a molding surface and a plurality of holes therein;
a die disposed in said inner housing, said die having a plurality of pins protruding therefrom;
a housing actuator disposed in said outer housing adapted to move said inner housing within said outer housing when the first and second mold portions are moved adjacent each other so that the wall of the blow molded container can be blown against the molding surface during blow molding; and a die actuator disposed in said inner housing adapted to move said die within said inner housing and cause said plurality of pins to move through the plurality of holes in the wall member to create a plurality of holes in the wall of the blow molded container.
an outer housing adapted to be mounted to at least one of the mold portions;
an inner housing disposed in said outer housing;
a wall member affixed to said inner housing, said wall member having a molding surface and a plurality of holes therein;
a die disposed in said inner housing, said die having a plurality of pins protruding therefrom;
a housing actuator disposed in said outer housing adapted to move said inner housing within said outer housing when the first and second mold portions are moved adjacent each other so that the wall of the blow molded container can be blown against the molding surface during blow molding; and a die actuator disposed in said inner housing adapted to move said die within said inner housing and cause said plurality of pins to move through the plurality of holes in the wall member to create a plurality of holes in the wall of the blow molded container.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the molding surface is concave in order to form a convex surface on the blow molded container.
25. A method of facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container, comprising the steps of:
moving a first mold portion adjacent to a second mold portion along a seam, thereby at least partially enclosing a reservoir cavity and a handle cavity;
blowing a wall of the blow molded container against the reservoir cavity and the handle cavity, thereby forming a reservoir portion and a handle portion;
simultaneously extending at least part of adjacent first and second punches, which are disposed in a hole intersecting the seam, through the wall of the blow molded container and into the reservoir portion such that said punches collectively create one hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
moving a first mold portion adjacent to a second mold portion along a seam, thereby at least partially enclosing a reservoir cavity and a handle cavity;
blowing a wall of the blow molded container against the reservoir cavity and the handle cavity, thereby forming a reservoir portion and a handle portion;
simultaneously extending at least part of adjacent first and second punches, which are disposed in a hole intersecting the seam, through the wall of the blow molded container and into the reservoir portion such that said punches collectively create one hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the punches create a hole that intersects a vertical plane of the handle.
27. An apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow-molded container, comprising:
a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a reservoir cavity having a surface against which a wall of the blow-molded container is blown during blow molding;
wherein said first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole in the reservoir cavity surface that intersects the seam;
a first punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the first gap; and a second punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the second gap;
wherein, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, said first punch is located adjacent said second punch such that, when said first and second punches are in a second position, at least part of each of said punches is extended past the wall of the blow molded container and inside the reservoir cavity such that said punches collectively create one hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
a mold comprising first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a reservoir cavity having a surface against which a wall of the blow-molded container is blown during blow molding;
wherein said first and second mold portions have respective first and second gaps therein that, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, form a hole in the reservoir cavity surface that intersects the seam;
a first punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the first gap; and a second punch that, when in a first position, is disposed within the second gap;
wherein, when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other, said first punch is located adjacent said second punch such that, when said first and second punches are in a second position, at least part of each of said punches is extended past the wall of the blow molded container and inside the reservoir cavity such that said punches collectively create one hole in the wall of the blow molded container.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein:
said first and second mold portions, when located adjacent each other, at least partially enclose a handle cavity; and the hold in the reservoir cavity surface formed by the first and the second gaps is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane of the handle cavity.
said first and second mold portions, when located adjacent each other, at least partially enclose a handle cavity; and the hold in the reservoir cavity surface formed by the first and the second gaps is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane of the handle cavity.
29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said first punch has a rounded edge that is disposed in the first gap when in the first position, said second punch has a rounded edge that is disposed in the second gap when in the first position, and each of said punches has a straight edge that is adjacent the straight edge of the other punch when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other.
30. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein:
said first punch includes at least one bushing; and said second punch includes at least one pin disposed in said at least one bushing when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other.
said first punch includes at least one bushing; and said second punch includes at least one pin disposed in said at least one bushing when said first and second mold portions are located adjacent each other.
31. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein each of said first and second punches has a recess therein for receiving flash when said first and second mold portions are moved adjacent each other.
32. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein at least one of said first and second punches includes at least one vertical pin adapted to be inserted into a vertical bushing.
33. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a first actuator adapted to advance said first punch through the wall of the blow molded container and a second actuator adapted to advance said second punch through the wall of the blow molded container.
34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said first and second actuators are hydraulic actuators.
35. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein:
said first and second mold portions, when located adjacent each other, at least partially enclose a handle cavity; and the hole formed by the first and second gaps intersects a vertical plane of the handle cavity.
said first and second mold portions, when located adjacent each other, at least partially enclose a handle cavity; and the hole formed by the first and second gaps intersects a vertical plane of the handle cavity.
36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said first and second mold portions, when located adjacent other, at least partially enclose a spout cavity having a first end, in fluid communication with the reservoir cavity, and a second end.
37. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising a third mold portion located at the second end of the spout cavity, said third mold portion having a surface that intersects a vertical plane of the spout cavity and against which the wall of the blow molded container is blown during blow molding.
38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the third mold portion includes at least one pin adapted to create a hole in the wall on the blow molded container.
39. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the surface of the third mold portion is concave in order to form a convex surface on the blow molded container.
40. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising:
an outer housing mounted to said first mold portion and adjacent the second end of the spout cavity;
an inner housing disposed in said outer housing;
wherein said third mold portion is affixed to said inner housing, said third mold portion having a plurality of holes therein;
a die disposed in said inner housing, said die having a plurality of pins protruding therefrom;
a housing actuator disposed in said outer housing adapted to move said inner housing within said outer housing when said first mold portion is moved adjacent to said second mold portion so that of the wall of the blow molded container can be blown against the surface of the third mold portion during blow molding; and a die actuator disposed in said inner housing adapted to move said die within said inner housing and cause said plurality of pins to move through the plurality of holes in the third mold portion to create a plurality of holes in the wall of the blow molded container.
an outer housing mounted to said first mold portion and adjacent the second end of the spout cavity;
an inner housing disposed in said outer housing;
wherein said third mold portion is affixed to said inner housing, said third mold portion having a plurality of holes therein;
a die disposed in said inner housing, said die having a plurality of pins protruding therefrom;
a housing actuator disposed in said outer housing adapted to move said inner housing within said outer housing when said first mold portion is moved adjacent to said second mold portion so that of the wall of the blow molded container can be blown against the surface of the third mold portion during blow molding; and a die actuator disposed in said inner housing adapted to move said die within said inner housing and cause said plurality of pins to move through the plurality of holes in the third mold portion to create a plurality of holes in the wall of the blow molded container.
41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the surface of the plate is concave in order to form a convex surface on the blow molded container.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US46019903P | 2003-04-03 | 2003-04-03 | |
| US60/460,199 | 2003-04-03 | ||
| US10/766,602 | 2004-01-27 | ||
| US10/766,602 US7229587B2 (en) | 2003-04-03 | 2004-01-27 | Blow molded container having holes therein and method and apparatus for facilitating the creation thereof |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2463485A1 CA2463485A1 (en) | 2004-10-03 |
| CA2463485C true CA2463485C (en) | 2011-06-14 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2463485A Expired - Lifetime CA2463485C (en) | 2003-04-03 | 2004-04-02 | Blow molded container having holes therein and method and apparatus for facilitating the creation thereof |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US7229587B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1539623B (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2463485C (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20030104098A1 (en) * | 2001-11-30 | 2003-06-05 | Brent Schrader | Formation of punched, blind holes through one wall of a double wall blow molded structure |
| US20060073289A1 (en) * | 2004-10-05 | 2006-04-06 | Clay Bahnsen | Blow molded case and method and apparatus for creating same |
| US7523516B1 (en) | 2008-02-29 | 2009-04-28 | Skamper Industries Llc | Extended water escape ramp device for animals |
| IT1392734B1 (en) * | 2009-01-28 | 2012-03-16 | Sipa Progettazione Automaz | MOLD FOR THERMOPLASTIC CONTAINERS OBTAINED WITH A IRONING AND BLOWING METHOD |
| US9555574B2 (en) * | 2011-12-27 | 2017-01-31 | Discma Ag | Blow molding device and a method for manufacturing a blow molded container |
| MX2015007595A (en) * | 2012-12-14 | 2016-03-21 | Nissei Asb Machine Co Ltd | Mold for vessel with handle, method for producing vessel with handle, and vessel with handle. |
| USD980386S1 (en) * | 2022-09-02 | 2023-03-07 | Jifang Wan | Watering can |
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| DE1100936B (en) * | 1958-07-26 | 1961-03-02 | Kautex Werke Gmbh | Method and device for producing tubes from thermoplastic material |
| US3362043A (en) * | 1964-12-09 | 1968-01-09 | Owens Illinois Inc | Apparatus for making plastic articles |
| US3424829A (en) * | 1965-05-04 | 1969-01-28 | Phillips Petroleum Co | Method and apparatus for blow molding hollow articles with integrally molded hollow handles |
| US3342916A (en) * | 1965-05-04 | 1967-09-19 | Phillips Petroleum Co | Method and apparatus for blow molding hollow articles |
| US3499071A (en) * | 1967-06-19 | 1970-03-03 | Procter & Gamble | Apparatus for in-mold removal of flash |
| US3579620A (en) * | 1968-11-26 | 1971-05-18 | Monsanto Co | Blow molding |
| DE2256479A1 (en) * | 1971-12-24 | 1974-05-30 | Bekum Maschf Gmbh | DEVICE FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE WASTE PART OF THE BLOW METHOD DURING THE MANUFACTURING OF A HOLLOW PLASTIC BODY WITH A HANDLE OR A HANDLE |
| US3915611A (en) * | 1972-07-18 | 1975-10-28 | Phillips Petroleum Co | Blow molding apparatus |
| US3928522A (en) * | 1974-06-04 | 1975-12-23 | Farrell Patent Co | Method of making a blow molded container with hollow handle |
| FR2323508A1 (en) * | 1975-09-13 | 1977-04-08 | Schloemann Siemag Ag | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MOLDING HOLLOW BODIES BY EXTRUSION-BLOWING OF THERMOPLASTIC SYNTHETIC MATERIALS |
| US4030664A (en) | 1976-04-12 | 1977-06-21 | Custom Plastics, Inc. | Spraying and watering can |
| US4070429A (en) * | 1976-10-26 | 1978-01-24 | Owens-Illinois, Inc. | Method for forming a blown plastic container |
| DE2757988C2 (en) * | 1977-12-24 | 1983-01-05 | Basf Ag, 6700 Ludwigshafen | Process for the continuous washing of printed textile fabrics |
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| US4952133A (en) | 1986-10-13 | 1990-08-28 | Mitsubishi Plastics Industries Limited | Apparatus for forming a blown bottle with a handle |
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| US4993931A (en) | 1988-07-21 | 1991-02-19 | Sabel Plastechs, Inc. | Apparatus for making a hollow polyethylene terephthalate blow molded article with an integral external projection such as a handle |
| US4992230A (en) | 1988-07-21 | 1991-02-12 | Sabel Plastechs, Inc. | Method for making a hollow polyethylene terephthalate blow molded article with an integral external projection such as a handle |
| DE3837664A1 (en) | 1988-11-05 | 1990-05-10 | Wolfram Dr Schiemann | Blow-moulded three-handled canister together with a device and method for the production thereof |
| ATE138862T1 (en) | 1991-08-08 | 1996-06-15 | Duering Ag | METHOD AND BLOW MOLD FOR PRODUCING A PLASTIC BOTTLE |
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| US5392594A (en) * | 1993-02-01 | 1995-02-28 | Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. | Integrated production of fuel gas and oxygenated organic compounds from synthesis gas |
| US5466413A (en) * | 1993-08-26 | 1995-11-14 | The Coca-Cola Company | Method and apparatus for blow molding a plastic drinking vessel |
| US5776518A (en) * | 1995-05-16 | 1998-07-07 | Ultraseal Technologies Corporation | Bottle mold and adjustable top block assembly and top block alignment members |
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| US7021920B2 (en) | 2001-11-30 | 2006-04-04 | Custom-Pak, Inc | Method and apparatus for blow molding a bottle with a punched hole in a molded neck recess |
| US20040065636A1 (en) * | 2002-10-08 | 2004-04-08 | James Thibodeau | Container with recessed handle |
-
2004
- 2004-01-27 US US10/766,602 patent/US7229587B2/en active Active
- 2004-04-02 CA CA2463485A patent/CA2463485C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-04-05 CN CN200410035251XA patent/CN1539623B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2007
- 2007-05-07 US US11/745,253 patent/US7727455B2/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN1539623B (en) | 2010-09-22 |
| US20070221755A1 (en) | 2007-09-27 |
| CA2463485A1 (en) | 2004-10-03 |
| US20040197436A1 (en) | 2004-10-07 |
| US7229587B2 (en) | 2007-06-12 |
| US7727455B2 (en) | 2010-06-01 |
| CN1539623A (en) | 2004-10-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |